Rara Lake Trek

  • 16 Days - 15 nights

Western Nepal is the last unspoiled region for trekking in Nepal. If you prefer to skip the teahouses and want to do a true backcountry trek, the Rara Lake Trek is your choice. The highlight of this lovely remote trail is reaching Rara Lake (2980m), a pristine, high-altitude lake that is surrounded by lush forests and a ring of Himalayan peaks. The lake itself is 5.2 kilometers by 2 kilometers, making it Nepal’s largest lake. The trail offers an experience with landscapes and cultures that are found nowhere else in Nepal! Enjoy the beauty of the one-of-a-kind Rara Lake Trek!

Because of how remote Rara Lake is, it takes a few days to even begin the adventure. We fly to Nepalgunj in the fiery furnace of the Terai region before taking another flight to Jumla the following day. We hike up and down through a diverse mix of villages, spending time with locals and learning about their day to day lifestyle as we go. Few trekkers make their way out here, so you will get to have more personal interactions with the locals. However, as you get nearer to the lake, you come across fewer and fewer people. Soon, it is just you and the animals that inhabit the park. You may just encounter some exotic animals, including the Red Panda, Himalayan black bear, wild boar, common langur, leopard, Himalayan tahr, and more. There is no doubt you will see some of the roughly 214 documented bird species as well, including grey-crested grebe, black-necked grebe, and plenty more. Be part of this wonderful animal coexistence!

Feel your jaw drop as you reach the shore of Rara Lake and see the reflection of the Sisne and Kanjirowa mountains on the calm water. The full day of exploration around Rara Lake is one that you will never forget. Listen to the birds chirping and the wind pushing through the trees and feel a sense of inner peace. Breathe in the clean air and enjoy the pleasant day. From here, we complete the circuit, joyfully walking back to Jumla.

The Rara Lake Trek is a camping package. Sleeping under a tent in the great outdoors brings us closer to Mother Nature and the environment. Let us know if you prefer to stay in homestays or guest houses and we will manage that when possible.

The Rara Lake Trek can be taken anytime of the year. Be aware of the climate of Nepal, though. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for clear weather and mountain views. However, the rainy (monsoon) season and the winter are nice because there are fewer tourists. Daewoo Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. handles the complete with complete management. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns!

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
  • Day 02:Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley.
  • Day 03:Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m), 1 hour flight.
  • Day 04:Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2540 meters), 20 minute flight.
  • Day 05:Trek from Jumla to Danphe Lagna Camp (3500m), 7-8 hours.
  • Day 06:Danphe Lagna Camp to Chautha (2770m), 5-6 hours.
  • Day 07:Trek from Chautha to Dhotu (2380m), 6-7 hours.
  • Day 08:Trek from Dhotu to Rara Lake (2980m), 4-5 hours.
  • Day 09:Explore Rara Lake.
  • Day 10:Trek from Rara Lake to Gorusingha (3190m), 5-6 hours.
  • Day 11:Trek from Gorusingha to Sinja (2440m), 5-6 hours.
  • Day 12:Trek from Singa to Jaljala Chaur (3270m), 6-7 hours.
  • Day 13:Trek from Jaljala Chaur to Jumla, 5-6 hours.
  • Day 14:Fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj.
  • Day 15:Fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
  • Day 16:Departure from Nepal.
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Cost Details

Cost Includes

  • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.
  • Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  • Transportation to and from the trail (including domestic airfare).
  • Local guest house (when available) or tent camping accommodation along the trail
  • All tent camping supplies (including kitchen and bathroom tents, etc.)
  • TIMS Card
  • Rara Lake National Park Permit
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Service charge and government taxes

Cost Excludes:

  • International airfare
  • Nepal visa
  • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Sightseeing entry fees
  • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.

    Upon arrival to Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Daewoo Travels & Tours will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel. In the evening, we brief you on the upcoming trek. Overnight at hotel.

  • Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley.

    After breakfast at the hotel, we take you on a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu including some the UNESCO World Heritage sites (Boudhanath, Swayambunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath). Spend the rest of the day preparing for your upcoming trek and exploring the city. Overnight in hotel.

  • Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m), 1 hour flight.

    A short morning flight takes us to Nepalgunj, a steamy-hot city near Nepal’s border with India in the west. The city is shockingly different from Kathmandu, and fascinating to explore. Spend the rest of the day wandering the streets and checking out the scene. Overnight at hotel.

  • Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2540 meters), 20 minute flight.

    After an early breakfast in Nepalgunj, we hop on another flight to Jumla – the entry point (and administrative center) for adventure seekers looking to explore the Karnali region. The hilly area surrounding Jumla is full of wildlife and adventure. Overnight in tented camp.

  • Day 05: Trek from Jumla to Danphe Lagna Camp (3500m), 7-8 hours.

    Leaving Jumla, we follow the trail north of the Tila Khola, along the Chaudhabise Khola as it winds through fields and pine forests. We ascend the Padmara Valley, keeping along the riverside. After a few hours, we arrive in the small village of Uthagaon. Continue through the slender canyon to the village of Padmara, from where we ascend theglorious Khali Lagna Pass (3550m)via a richly diverse forest of pine, birch, and fir trees. After some sweet views from the pass, we descend slowly through more rejuvenating forest landscape and arrive at our campsite. Overnight in tented camp.

  • Day 06: Danphe Lagna Camp to Chautha (2770m), 5-6 hours.

    Begin the day’s trek after breakfast. It’s a full day of descending through the magical forests, get closer to Rara Lake. First cross a bridge and follow the river downstream and then make a short, steep uphill to Kabra. Our steep climb continues a little longer and then flattens out before Bhara Village. Have a snack or meal in Bhara before descending to the Chauro Khola River which leads to Chautha. Overnight in tented camp.

  • Day 07: Trek from Chautha to Dhotu (2380m), 6-7 hours.

    After breakfast, start on the trail uphill towards Bhulbule, where we check into the Rara National Park. Have a short rest andkeep climbing steadily to the Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3450m), pleasantly decorated with chhortens and prayer flags. From the top, our path descends gently and then quite steeply through lush forests before arriving to Dhotu. Overnight in tented camp.

  • Day 08: Trek from Dhotu to Rara Lake (2980m), 4-5 hours.

    Today is a laid-back day with awe-inspiring views throughout. First, traverse a steep slope after leaving Dhotu., Moving further, we stroll through some fields down to a small stream. We cross the bridge over the stream and stop in Jhyari, a wonderful little Thakuri village. After crossing the bridge, we climb up to the Thakuri village of Jhyari. From Jhyari, we trek to a meadow that overlooks Rara Lake, or we can choose a spot closer to the lake depending on your interest. Overnight in tented camp.

  • Day 09: Explore Rara Lake.

    Spend the entire day discover the mystique of Rara Lake – the largest freshwater lake in Nepal. Rara Lake is also known as Mahendra Taal(Lake) named after late king Mahendra. The crystal-clear water, with looming peaks in the distance makes for an unforgettable view. Chuchemara Peak, Ruma Kand, and Malika Kand peaks envelop the lake. Soak in the peaceful, wilderness ambience on Rara Lake. Overnight in tented camp.

  • Day 10: Trek from Rara Lake to Gorusingha (3190m), 5-6 hours.

    Though you may want to stay Rara Lake forever, it is time to head to the next place. We follow the Khatyar Khola river, making small ascents and descents before entering a vibrant forest of rhododendron, pine, and spruce trees. Proceed into the beautiful Ghatta Valley and into the tiny village of Gorusingha. Overnight in tented camp.

  • Day 11: Trek from Gorusingha to Sinja (2440m), 5-6 hours.

    The trailproceeds down the Ghatta Valley from Gorusingha along the Sinja Khola River. By the end of the day, we reach Sinja, which was the capital of the Malla Dynasty from the 12th-14th centuries. Ruins of the medieval kingdom can be seen around the river, as well as a newer temple honoring the goddess Bhagwati. Explore the area in the afternoon/evening. Overnight in tented camp.

  • Day 12: Trek from Singa to Jaljala Chaur (3270m), 6-7 hours.

    After breakfast, cross the Sinja Khola, and continue through the gorgeous scenery. Cruise through a few small villages, stopping for tea or snacks. Much of today’s trail passes through verdant forests and quaint villages. Towards the end of the day, we pass through fields of barley and other crops. At the end of the day, we make a steep climb to Jaljara Chaur, where we stay for the night. Camp out in the picturesque meadow. Overnight in tented camp.

  • Day 13: Trek from Jaljala Chaur to Jumla, 5-6 hours.

    Have a filling breakfast at camp and begin today’s journey. Ascend from the meadow into an even higher meadow with marvelous views. Then, descend through mixed forests to Jumla. Overnight in tented camp.

  • Day 14: Fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj.

    After breakfast, fly once again to Nepalgunj. Spend the rest of the day hanging out, unwinding from the trek. Overnight in hotel.

  • Day 15: Fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

    In the morning, we fly back to Kathmandu. We are happy to have you on this amazing adventure and look forward to your next one with us! Spend the afternoon as you wish, whether it be sightseeing, shopping, or just relaxing. Overnight in hotel.

  • Day 16: Departure from Nepal.

    We take you to Tribhuvan International Airport about 3 hours before your international flight. We hope you enjoyed your time with Daewoo Travels & Tours, and see you next time!